4 bold predictions for the Carolina Panthers at Saints in Week 18

Brian Burns equals Carolina Panthers’ sack record

While the Carolina Panthers don’t have much to play for other than pride, there are players fighting for their futures and also within reach of individual targets. Something that should ensure maximum effort and especially considering Steve Wilks wants to leave one final good impression in pursuit of becoming head coach permanently.

Brian Burns is one such player after the best campaign of his pro career. The defensive end is set to be paid handsomely this offseason after the Panthers resisted trade offers before the deadline, with his second-straight Pro Bowl honor a testament to how his performance levels are being perceived around the league.

There is another lofty goal for Burns to aim for in Week 18. He is currently on 12.5 sacks for the year, which puts him just 2.5 behind the Panthers’ single-season record jointly held by the late Kevin Greene and Greg Hardy.

The New Orleans Saints are giving up 2.3 sacks per game this season after losing left tackle Terron Armstead to the Miami Dolphins in free agency. Although they are not the force of old, it will still be an extremely tall order for Burns – especially if no help comes from others on the defensive front.

Burns knows what he needs to do. And achieving this feat could see a record-breaking deal in his immediate future.